Week Fifty Two - Gratitude

Saturday December 24th - I am grateful that I can express my love through things that I can create
Sunday December 25th - I am grateful that God sent His son and time to spend with my awesome family
Monday December 26th - I am grateful for miracles. God kept watch over my sweet cousin and she is getting better
Tuesday December 27th - I am grateful for my friend Karen, who blessed me so much today. Thanks Karen.
Wednesday December 28th - I am grateful for my friends - they keep me strong during very hard times.
Thursday December 29th - I am grateful for laughter
Friday December 30th - I am grateful for clarity and hope.
Saturday December 31st - I am grateful for the end of 2011

Week Fifty One - Gratitude

Saturday December 17th - I am grateful for a special gift from our church tonight, it is just tough to realize that we are one of those families. Thank you Summit, it was a blessing to us.
Sunday December 18th - I am grateful for great bargains right before Christmas
Monday December 19th - I am grateful that Christmas cards are done and ready to mail tomorrow
Tuesday December 20th - I am grateful for the power of prayer
Wednesday December 21st - I am grateful for friends who care
Thursday December 22nd - I am grateful for fun times to create and relax
Friday December 23rd - I am grateful for time to stop and breathe

Week Fifty - Gratitude

Saturday December 10th - I am grateful that I have kept up with this gratitude journal
Sunday December 11th - I am grateful for a great afternoon with my friends cropping
Monday December 12th - I am grateful for Jodi's laughter - she just cracked me up today
Tuesday December 13th - I am grateful for crackers when my tummy is upset.
Wednesday December 14th - I am grateful for friends near and far
Thursday December 15th - I am grateful for time to create and getting my hands messy
Friday December 16th - I am grateful for a sweet letter from my IU friend Pam, reminds me that I am doing it right. Thank God for those really special moments.

Week Forty Nine - Gratitude

Saturday December 3rd - Grateful for church tonight - I was inspired and blessed
Sunday December 4th - Grateful for our Christmas tree - it just makes me smile
Monday December 5th - I am grateful fow a quiet afternoon, I went through and created the Christmas card list - looking forward to connecting with all our friends and family
Tuesday December 6th - I am grateful that Emma is doing so much better
Wednesday December 7th - I am grateful for those who protect our country and our freedom. God bless those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor
Thursday December 8th - I am grateful for time with friends as we remember the life of Brian Hurn, my friend Colleen's husband.
Friday December 9th - I am grateful for the small things that make life easier.

Week Forty Eight - Gratitude

Saturday November 26th - I am grateful for a home to live in and family to love
Sunday November 27th - I am grateful that going through Christmas decorations bring back happy memories of holidays past
Monday November 28th - I am grateful for time to decorate our house and celebrate Christmas.
Tuesday November 29th - I am grateful that Emma is healing and doing better. My heart is so heavy for her. She is such a brave girl - I love her.
Wednesday November 30th - Grateful for my best friend Treion who meets adversity with gusto. She relies on God for strength, she is such an inspiration
Thursday December 1st - I am grateful for a fun evening of creating
Friday December 2nd - I am grateful for a silly afternoon giggling with my sister

Week Forty Seven - Gratitude

Saturday November 19th - I am grateful that the fire in Reno is almost contained. God sent snow to douse the flames. Praying for all those involved.
Sunday November 20th - I am grateful for homemade chili and cornbread for dinner on a cold night
Monday November 21st - I am grateful that I have a roof over my head - I pray for those who don't
Tuesday November 22nd - I am grateful for a special gift that came my way today. It lifted my spirits on a painful day
Wednesday November 23rd - I am grateful that money was available to buy groceries for my family. I am feeling blessed that God has provided.
Thursday November 24th - I am grateful for a great day with my family
Friday November 25th - I am grateful for fun day shopping and getting items on sale

My Time at Inspiration Unlimited #3

Saturday morning started off bright and early with a class with Teresa Collins. It was a travel binder and is so much fun. Going to use it for the Grand Canyon. That trip deserves many albums for sure. Love the class, but was tired and body was failing me. Sit back relax and enjoy the fun cause it was the last day of IU and I wanted to take it all in.



Janet and Renee were my tablemates and we had a great time



So blessed for this awesome giveaway from ProvoCraft - Love it. It is actually a cartridge I had wanted so how fun to get it as a gift.


We went outside for a group photo - Dazziling Diva's ROCK!!!
What a great group of ladies.





The next class was with Joey from Bazzill. We made a delightful album and I love it. So much fun. Joey was so fun and so full of energy. I really enjoyed getting to know her. That class even now still makes me smile.





Dave kept busy handing out goodies to each class. He enjoyed being on the prize patrol. Ginger kept him busy. Thanks Ginger for letting him help.



This is my paint can partner - Michelle. I had so much fun with her can. Mine is supposed to be here sometime soon.



The last class was with Layle and we did 2 layouts. They were so cool and loved everything about them, I love the class and had a great time. I am trying to decide what photos to use. I loved having Layle as a teacher again. She is so fun and love her attitude. Thanks Layle.



Through the day my body just fought me. I was so tired and every muscle was so fatiqued. I just sat and worked but was so slow. My hands were so cramped and it made me so mad. I hate what this disease does to my body and hate that some days that I can't keep up. At the end of the day, Dave met me in class and took my stuff up to the room and we went to dinner at the food court. I knew if I walked to the room then I would not be able to go back down. After dinner we were able to go in and sit down in the room for the closing ceremonies. The bonus of husband who was helping out. I know that we got looks and some get an attitude, but hey I would rather stand in line and have no disease then be forced to find a seat before I fall down. That was hard for me because I hate it when others can tell that I am not doing well and that night the pain was more then I could bare. Funny thing is I was more rested on this trip then the year before and my body behaved worse, bad body. I say all this because sometimes things are given to some because of issues in their lives. It isn't that it is unfair it is more that it is a gesture to make their life easier. Pain and disease sometimes can be unbearable and a small gesture means alot. Try to see the whole picture, not just what you are missing in life. Be grateful that you don't have to deal with diseases that cripple your body. Just sayin'


The keynote speaker was Jill Strasburg and wow her story is unbelievable. She inspired me in so many ways. If you don't know about Jill then check out her website http://thestrasburgfamily.blogspot.com/ You will be inspired and hey it is always good to remember we are all special no matter who we are or what we look like.

All in all an awesome event and so glad that I could attend again. Thank you Ginger and Teresa for another awesome year. You both are the best.


Back to the room, time to pack it up and get ready to go home. This is the car all packed up with my treasures and we left. Car doesn't seem to be as full - humm what did I bring with me LOL



We went to this fun restaurant for breakfast. This coffee cake was to die for. So yummy. We actually brought some home



We finished breakfast and got on the road. Another trip done and a great event with my scrapping friends. I had a hard time recouping my strength but it was well worth it. I loved it and can't wait till next year.

Week Forty Six - Gratitude

Saturday November 12th - Grateful for vicodin to deal with broken rib pain - I can't believe I have another one :(
Sunday November 13th - I am grateful for the realization that life is fragile and we should not take loved ones for granted. RIP JK Metzker
Monday November 14th - I am grateful for a quiet night
Tuesday November 15th - I am grateful for breakfast for dinner - french toast was yummy.
Wednesday November 16th - I am grateful for God's Love and His Mercy - I need it everyday
Thursday November 17th - I am grateful for times to just go shop and start planning fun Christmas Gifts.
Friday November 18th - I am grateful that Emma and Mom weren't seriously hurt this morning. It really could have been very bad.

Week Forty Five - Gratitude

Saturday November 5th - Grateful for medications that might keep this infection in line.
Sunday November 6th - Grateful that there was minimal snow today. Yeah it stayed in the mountains - but it is still cold
Monday November 7th - Grateful for friends near and far
Tuesday November 8th - Grateful for time to just sit and talk to God
Wednesday November 9th - Grateful for the miracle of being able to go back to my favorite doctor. She now takes my insurance - thank you God!!!
Thursday November 10th - Grateful for memories of Belle that bring tears and smiles. I miss her so much.

Friday November 11th - Grateful for all the men and women who have served our country. God bless you all and thank you.

Week Forty Four - Gratitude

Saturday October 29th - I am grateful for the new scrapbook store in Sparks - yeah
Sunday October 30th - I am grateful for time to decorate for Halloween, mom, Dave and I had fun


Monday October 31st - I am grateful for a great time handing out candy to the kiddos with my mom. We sat outside on the porch and talked - it was great
Tuesday November 1st - Grateful for a quiet day when I didn't feel well.
Wednesday November 2nd - Grateful that my dog Emma still realizes that I am her mommy
Thursday November 3rd - Grateful for friends who are just always there
Friday November 4th - Grateful for a great date night with my hubby. We went to Disney on Ice - it was great

Week Forty Three-Gratitude

Saturday October 22nd - Grateful for time to just be me
Sunday October 23rd - Grateful that finally it is all coming together
Monday October 24th - Grateful for time to sleep when my body hurts so badly
Tuesday October 25th - I am grateful for some time to reflect
Wednesday October 26th - I am grateful for time to just do nothing
Thursday October 27th - Grateful that Emma is doing better
Friday October 28th - I am grateful for friends who are there no matter how many times you chat with them

Cricut Montly Contest - October

I created this for my mom. I used Best Creations Haunted House papers. I used Cricut cartridges Chic and Scary plus Flower shop. Used an 11x14 frame and had fun adding a Girl's Paperie charm along with bling and tulle. She decided to hang it out on the front porch so everyone can see it.
Happy Haunting

My time at Inspiration Unlimited #2

After a good nights sleep, I was up bright and early to start the day. Unfortunately my body wanted to fight me but I won. At least we were able to stay in our group room and the teachers came to us. That definitely made it easier. Friday morning started off with a class by Janet Hopkins. I have to say that I really like her. She is one of the nicest people I have met and we have connected with some similar things in our lives. She was sick but made it for Thursday and Friday and went back home. I am sorry that she won't be there next year because I really enjoyed her class this year and next. Guess I will just have to keep up with her. Thanks Janet for a great class!!!



Group photo Florence, me, Janet, Janet, Renee and Melannie - aren't we cute?


This was a fun class because we did a book called The Story of Us but made our own bindings. Very cute and useful idea

The next class was with Teresa Collins and it was a fun book using her Notations line. A-Z all about me. Book is together but have to start filling it in. I am looking forward to getting it done. We used the Provocraft Book Maker and it was lots of fun.


Dave volunteered to help Ginger this year. He was on the prize patrol and loved it.


The final class for the day was with Amber Packer and we did 2 layouts using My Minds Eye product. I love the glitter and flowers of both layouts. They were both awesome.


Friday night was a crop and free make and takes from the vendors at the event. It was a fun night but was tired so back to the room to relax and get ready for Saturday.
One highlight of the night was Dave. He found a flower that my friend Melannie had lost, we were given them at registration and he put it in his hair. Actually wore it till we found out that it was Melannie's.
Even with little hair, it managed to stick.

I did have some time to talk to my secret sister April Berg. She gave to me and I gave to her. We had a great time. Thanks April for all the great goodies. You are the best.

Week Forty Two - Gratitude

Saturday October 15th - Grateful for a better day today
Sunday October 16th - Warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream enough said
Monday October 17th - Grateful for a warm fall day in October
Tuesday October 18th - Grateful for an awesome vet who is always there
Wednesday October 19th - Grateful for 20 years of marriage. Not always easy but I know that Dave loves me.
Thursday October 20th - Grateful that God knows what I need
Friday October 21st - Grateful that sometimes I can splurge and spoil myself and those around me.

Week Forty One - Gratitude

Saturday October 8th - I am grateful for a relaxing day
Sunday October 9th - I am grateful for words of wisdom to share
Monday October 10th - I am grateful for photos, they provide many great memories.
Tuesday October 11th - I am grateful for time to rest when my body is fighting me.
Wednesday October 12th - I am grateful for inspiration and time to create.
Thursday October 13th - I am grateful for special treats in the mail. Thank you so much Susan.
Friday October 14th - I am grateful for the peace only God can give me.

My time at Inspiration Unlimited #1

Two weeks ago I was in Henderson, Nevada for Inspiration Unlimited. We left on Wednesday September 21st in the morning with the attempt to make it in time for a group dinner at the resort buffet.
Well what was supposed to be a 7 hour journey became a 9.5 hour trip due to road distruction LOL. With the lupus and what all it does to my body, that proved to be a very long and tiring trip. With having to sit for that long my legs and other parts of my body hurt badly.
We finally arrived stopped and had dinner at Claim Jumper and then checked in. The Green Valley Resort is absolutely beautiful but you expect that in the Las Vegas area.

Thursday morning began with breakfast with my friend Karen and then we were off to play in Amy Coon's Technique Journal class. What fun it was, we got to make a mess and I must admit I LOVED IT!!!!! I am looking forward to continuing with it. Thanks Amy for an awesome class.



Next was a great class by Imaginisce. We made this Christmas flip album what was so delightful. I still need to finish it and then buy more of the flip frames from IKEA, it is so cute. I was blessed to sit by my friend Janet Kapke, we had a great time. On top of that huge blessing of a great class, as I was leaving the teacher knowing that we traveled by car, handed me all the left over paper and such from the class - wow that was great cause I loved the paper. I was able to take out what I wanted and then many of my friends were able to have some too. It was so cool, what a great blessing. Thank you so much Imaginisce for the great products and great class. I almost forgot I also won a prize of travel embellishments too.





At this point Dave is taking some ladies to 2 of the local scrapbook stores plus Hobby Lobby. They had so much fun but I opted to stay back at the hotel instead of going shopping cause I could tell that my body just needed to rest. Though I finished working on gifts for my friends at IU, it was still relaxing and much needed down time. I get so frustrated with this disease because no matter what I do, I pay a price pain wise and it seems so unfair.


This is my work area, I finished up gifts for my friends and they all came to my room to get their albums and other goodies. It really was a fun afternoon.





This is the paint can that I gave my paint can partner - Michelle Candelaria. She forgot to bring mine but hope to get it soon.

My secret sister April Berg gave me all these goodie - she is awesome



Dave helped Ginger in the onsite store and had a blast. This was after doing 2 rounds of shopping tours with a group of 12 ladies. They all loved him. I finally made it downstairs and my legs were beginning to give out. The burning and the pain is so hard and at one point he spotted me and told me to sit down. He could tell that I was going to fall down and so I sat. He went and got me a cold drink, he really tried to take care of me but could tell on day two that my body was beginning to fight me and that is not fun.

Check out the candy bar that was set up in the teacher meet and great - yummm

After getting my registration goodies, visiting with the teachers in a meet and greet, I had one more extra class with ProvoCraft. OH my that was just the bestest experience. Not only did we create a fabulous clipboard, they gave us many Cuttlebug embossing folders and it was just plain fun. My friend Janet was with me and we really enjoyed the time there. They were giving away a Cricut Cake, a Cricut Imagine and a Cricut Expression 2. The clipboard we made had papers from Teresa Collins Black and White cartridge and were so cool, oh I so wanted to win the Imagine. But truth be told, I don't have room for it but a girl can still want. Well I didn't win it and that was OK cause I am sure the lady who did was going to love it too. Then came the drawing for the E2 - guess whose name they called - yep me. I was so happy but heres the thing I already had one. I got it in May when they first came out and I LOVE IT!!!! So, I said to please draw another name because I had one. To my amazement the teacher - Shannon then said well then I will give you a $200 credit on Cricut.com. WOW was not expecting that, I just felt I wanted someone else to have the E2 cause I don't need 2 of them. So once again God blessed me and I was very grateful Thanks Shannon and thanks Provocraft, you all rock.






Class got out at 9:30 and Dave finished up helping Ginger and met me at the class to carry all my stuff up to the room. The rest of the evening was quiet. Took my pain meds and then off to bed, going to be an early morning. What is so hard about events like this, is the fact I really enjoy them but my body has its own agenda. So that being said, first day of extra classes, proved to be a great day, so all in all I was thrilled to be there and with all my friends.